Ear infections are a common ailment for young children around the world and are most frequently treated with antibiotics. The Finsen Headphones are an antibiotic-free alternative that uses blue light therapy to treat ear infections. The headphones are a low-cost option that can be utilized in poverty-stricken areas of the world where antibiotics are hard to come by. Scientists estimate that Finsen Headphones can cut the number of children who have hearing loss from ear infections by 60%. Finsen Headphones were invented by Leanne Fan, a 14-year-old scientist in California. The teen won the 2002 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her life changing design and received $25,000. Currently, Fan is working with specialists to continue testing the product and hopes to manufacture it soon.
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